The focus of the Architectural Technology program is preparation for direct employment in architecture and related fields, or for transfer to bachelor-degree programs in Architecture. The value of well-trained architectural technicians is widely recognized by professionals in the industry. The architectural technician's job is a challenging one with broad prospects and possibilities.

The Instructional Program

The Architectural Technology Department at SUNY Delhi offers the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and the Bachelor of Technology (B.T.) degree. The vast majority of core courses feature hands-on performance in the laboratory or studio supported by classroom theory. All of the core courses are taught by architects, engineers, and construction professionals with extensive work experience.

The Architectural Technology program places equal emphasis on the preparation of detailed residential and commercial construction drawings; on the creative process of rendering and designing buildings; and on the understanding of building methods, materials, structure, and mechanical systems. The drawing instruction, in turn, is equally divided between conventional design/drafting media and computer-generated design and drafting.

The Architectural Technology program is distinguished by its range of fully equipped construction laboratories and fully equipped drafting and computer studios for hands-on instruction.

Career Options

The market for architectural-technology skills is nationwide and goes beyond the conventional architectural firm. Attractive employment opportunities can be found with construction companies, engineering firms, government agencies, large corporations, and building products manufacturers, among others. Program faculty maintain broad contacts within the industry regionally and advise and assist graduates in securing employment.

Transfer Options

The Architectural Technology A.A.S. degree gives students the opportunity to enter the workforce or transfer. Over the years, a large percentage of graduates have continued their education in bachelor-degree programs in architecture, engineering, and related fields. One option, for those who qualify, is to continue study in SUNY Delhi's Bachelor of Technology program in Architectural Design and Building. (For information on this program, see the Architectural Design and Building program description.) For those who seek transfer to another institution, the technology emphasized at Delhi complements the theory and design emphasized at architectural schools to provide a well-rounded professional education. Graduates of the A.A.S. program have successfully transferred to many nationally known universities, such as Cornell, RPI, Syracuse, Clemson, Tennessee, Kent State, Ohio State, Arizona, Roger Williams, and New York Institute of Technology.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0538

First Semester

Course No.

Course

Cr. Hrs.

AECT 100

Introduction to Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

1

AECT 110

Construction Materials

3

ARCH 110

Computer-Aided Residential Drawing1

4

CNST 110

Principles and Practices of Wood Construction

3

MATH ___

Mathematics2

3

Total

14

Second Semester

Course No.

Course

Cr. Hrs.

ARCH 125

Architectural Design Graphics

3

ARCH 220

Commercial Detailing

4

ARCH 250

3-D Presentation CAD

4

ENGL ___

English3

3

____ ___

Mathematics2 or Science

3

Total

17

Third Semester

Course No.

Course

Cr. Hrs.

ARCH 140

Architectural Design I

4

CNST 210

Commercial Building Systems

4

PHYS 150

General Physics I

4

____ ___

ENGL/COMM/LITR Elective

3

____ ___

Social Science Elective

3

Total

18

Fourth Semester

Course No.

Course

Cr. Hrs.

AECT 150

Statics and Strengths of Materials

3

AECT 280

Building Environmental Systems I

4

ARCH 240

Architectural Design II

4

HUMN 242

History of World and Western Architecture II

3

____ ___

Elective by advisement

3

Total

17

Degree Requirement: 66 credit hours

Notes

1 Students with demonstrated computer graphics ability may substitute a technical elective with faculty permission.

2 Mathematics is by placement according to competency. MATH 128 College Algebra and MATH 138 Trigonometry are the minimum exit-level mathematics requirement for this program. Students with appropriate math backgrounds will be advised to enroll in either a higher-level math course or a science course.

3 English is by placement according to competency. ENGL 100 Freshman Composition and a second English, communications, or literature course are the minimum English requirement for this program. Students with appropriate English backgrounds will be advised to enroll in ENGL 200 Advanced Composition or other higher-level English courses.

Admissions Requirements

High school graduate with a minimum 75% overall average or a minimum 2500 GED test score, and 73% or higher on the Math A Regents exam. Math Course B or equivalent, physics, and computer-aided design (CAD) are recommended.

Electives

Technical Electives

Course No.

Course

Cr. Hrs.

AECT 250

Structural Steel and Reinforced Concrete

3

ARCH 115/ ARTS 115

Freehand Drawing

3

CNST 150

Concrete and Masonry Construction

3

CNST 160

Construction Surveying

3

CNST 260

Estimating and Planning

3

CNST 270

Law and Contracting

3

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Architectural Technology A.A.S. program should be able to:

Discuss the academic and career opportunities available in the field of architectural technology and have a working knowledge of how to utilize these opportunities.

Demonstrate design conceptualization strategies, the process of design, and the development and resolution of specific construction details in both residential and commercial building systems.

Exhibit knowledge of the physical properties, design considerations, and practical applications of engineered structural components and common finish materials as they relate to the entire building system.

Demonstrate an understanding of the strength of materials through the analysis of basic forces, conditions for equilibrium, stress-strain relationships, riveted and bolted connections, steel and timber beam design, and simple column design.

Analyze building structural systems components of timber, steel, masonry, and concrete in terms of the forces applied to them, such as wind loads and seismic conditions.

Discuss and apply the principles and practices of wood construction, including building layout; floor, wall, and roof framing; and member loading.

Demonstrate knowledge of the methods and materials of commercial buildings and structures, as well as construction project planning, construction site record keeping, and safety.

Understand the fundamentals of mechanical and electrical equipment requirements for buildings.

Understand and apply the principles of physics to the field of architectural technology.